Class 12 Compulsory English Question Paper 2079 (New Course)

Sub.Code: 0041'E'

NEB-GRADE XII

2079 (2022) Compulsory English

New course

Candidates are required to give their answers in their own words as far as practicable The figures in the margin indicate full marks
Time: 3 hrs.
Full Marks: 75

Attempt all the questions

1. Read the following text and complete the tasks that follow. 15

Today, bicycles are elegantly simple machines that are common around the world. Many people ride bicycles for recreation, where as others use them as a means of transportation. The first bicycle, called a draisienne, was invented in Germany in 1818 by Baron Karl de Drais de Sauerbrun. Because it was made of wood, the draisienne wasn't very durable nor did it have pedals Riders moved it by pushing their feet against the ground. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scotish blacksmith, invented a much better bicycle. Macmillan's machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down He also used foot-operated cranks, similar to pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace It didn't look much like the modern bicycle, though. because its back wheel was substantially large than its front wheel Although Machmillan's bicycles could be ridden easily, they were never produced in large numbers. In 1861, Frenchman Pierre Michaux and his brother Ernest invented a bicycle with an improved crank mechanism. They called their bicycle a velocipede. but most people called it a "bone shaker" because of the jarring effect of the wood and iron frame. Despite the unflattering nick name. Velocipede was a hit. After a few years, the Michaux family was making hundreds of the machines annually, mostly for fun-seeking young people.

Ten years later. James Starley, an English inventor, made several innovations that revolutionized bicycle design. He made the front wheel many times larger than the back wheel, put a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient, and lightened the wheels by using wire spokes. Although this bicycle was much lighter and less tiring to ride, it was still clumsy extremely top-heavy, and ridden mostly for entertainment. It wasn't until 1874 that the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene. Invented by another

 Englishman, HJ Lawson, the safety bicycle would look familiar to today's cyclists. The safety bicycle had equal-sized wheels, which made it much less prone to toppling over Lawson also attached a chain to the padals to drive the rear wheel By 1991 the safety bicycle had been further improved with au-filled rubber tires, a diamond shaped frame, and easy braking With the improvements provided by Lawson, bicycles became extremely popular and useful for transportation Today, they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.

• Important for Class 12: Film Review: Click here for reading the film review.

A. Look at the highlighted words in the text Complete the following sentences using them. Two of them are not necessary. 5x1-5

a. The invention of bicycle............travel.
b. The invention of bicycle.........the way of life.
c. The fields next to the school are always used for............. .

d. Unfortunately, her movements were rather.............. .

e. The old stone steps had been.................by years of use.

B. Read the text again and write.

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information given in the text.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information given in the text
NOT GIVEN if there is no information in the text

a. The pedaled bicycle was first invented in Germany.
b. Macmillan's bicycle resembled today's bicycle.

c. The alteration of velocipedes made the life of people much easier.

d. The changes made by British inventors altered the wheels to make pedaling more efficient.

e. Chain-driven bicycles were first made in France.

C. Answer the following questions.
a. How did the riders move 'draisiene?
b. What improvements were made to the bicycle invented in 1839? 

c. Why do you think Macmillan used iron rims in his machine?
d. What can be assumed from the text?
e. What is the purpose of the text?

2. Write short answers to the following questions based on the textbook. 5x2-10 

a. What does 'fractured dialogue' mean in the story? (Neighbours)

b. What in your opinion is the moral of the story "The Treasure in the Forest?"

c. Explain the following lines with reference to the context: (I Was My Own Route)

At each advancing step on my route forward 

my back was ripped by the desperate flapping wings of the old guard.

d. In what way is marriage an institution? Explain. (Marriage as a Social Institution)

e. What are the universal human abilities? (Humility)

• Important Essay for Class 12:  Knowledge and Wisdom Simple Points

3. Write long answers to the following questions. 2X5=10
a. How can you say that 'Facing Death' is a modern tragedy? (Facing Death)

b. Gabriel Gracia Marquez illustrates the themes of abuse and cruelty in the story 'An Old Man with Enormous Wings'. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion with reference to the context. (An Old Man with Enormous Wings)

4. 'Social Media' can have both positive and negative effects. Write your views on social media in about 150 words. 7

5. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily newspaper on environmental pollution in about 180 words. 8

6. Compared to online teaching and learning, students learn much better with their
physical presence in the classroom. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Write an essay in about 300 words expressing your opinion. 10

7. Do as indicated in the brackets and rewrite the sentences. 10x1=10
a) The cool breeze blew .......... on her face (Complete the sentence with an appropriate adverb.) 

b) All the celebrations and parties were called..............because of the tragic accident. (Put the correct preposition in the blank.) 

c) The food is really good at that restaurant. They...........(will can must/should) have a great chef. (Choose the correct option from the bracket to complete the sentence.)

d) The master along with his three servants.............(is am are) going to the court (Choose the correct verb from the bracket to complete the sentence.) 

e) His company is greatly ............after (Complete the sentence using correct form of the verb 'seek')

f) We look forward to (hear/hearing) from you soon. (Choose the correct option from the bracket to complete the sentence.)

g).............. he is rich, he is always dressed in rags. (Put a correct conjunction in the blank to complete the sentence.)

h) He is the man ............(who whom/whose) son plays football for Three Star Club. (Choose correct option from the bracket to complete the sentence.) 

i) I want my students to respect me. (Change into passive)

j) Did you hear me? (Report this with the reporting clause She asked.)

• Important Grammatical Questions for Class 12:  Click on the link an practise all the questions.

8. Choose and copy the correct answer. 5x1-5

a) Which of the following words has a different final sound:

- cats

- boys

- girls

- houses

b) The initial sound in the word 'maples transcribed as

- /m/

- /n/

- /p/

- /s/  
c) Prices seem to.............every year.

- rise

- raise

- raised

- rose
d) The word 'attire' means.......... .

- extremely good

- clothes, especially fine or formal ones
- thin and easily torn
- clear
e) My car...................while I was driving.
- broke up

- broke down
- broke off
- broke in